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Wednesday, 9 December 2015

UPDATED: Kate Debuts Shorter Hair at ICAP's Annual Charity Day

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge became traders for the day in support of their patronages as they participated in ICAP's 23rd Annual Charity Day.

Today's engagement follows last night's glittering appearance at the annual Diplomatic Reception (if you're just joining us Click This Way to see Kate in the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara) where the couple joined Her Majesty, Prince Philip and some 1,500 guests for the white-tie event.

ICAP, a leading markets operator matching buyers and sellers in wholesale markets, has run an annual Charity Day for the last 22 years during which it donates a day’s revenue and commissions to a selection of charities.

Since its launch Charity Day has raised more than £120 million for organisations around the world.

William and Kate enjoyed a tour of the brokerage firm's London offices where they met staff, brokers and representatives from their patronages who will be benefiting from proceeds raised. They include Kate's patronages Place2Be and SportsAid, and William's charity SkillForce.

A look inside the very festive office.

Royal reporter Rebecca English noted "I'm not sure what William and Kate know what to make of the ICAP charity day".

Under the guidance of the brokers, the Duke and Duchess spoke to a number of ICAP clients to close deals over the telephone. They both appeared to enjoy it immensely.

'One of the biggest deals they were involved with came on the TriOptima Post Trade Area, which clears risk out of the market. Ian Hunt, dressed as Homer Simpson, left Kate speechless when he told her that she and her husband had just conducted a deal with two British banks worth 200 billion Euros each - part of a two to four trillion Euro deal in a huge de-risking exercise across the financial markets.

'Please don't add any extra risk!' begged the Duchess, agog at the figures. 'Does It take a long time to pick this up? Gosh this is just extraordinary.'

William was more bullish: 'Feeling charitable today? Good, just what I want to hear!' Eavesdropping on his wife's conversation with a trader on the end of the phone named Andrew he laughed: 'Catherine, I think you can stop flirting with them now!' Turning to trader Brett Lincoln he raised an eyebrow and said: 'Sorry my wife is just embarrassing me!'

The couple successfully closed deals worth £500 million between banks.

'Money raised for SkillForce from ICAP Charity Day will fund a new ICAP Route to Apprenticeship programme, for 40 young people aged 16-plus. Based in North West England and North Yorkshire, and launching in September 2016, the programme will help young people to develop the employability skills they need to get on to an apprenticeship.

The programme will run for two days a week, and be targeted at young people who lack the skills to present themselves confidently to prospective employers. Young people will be taught employability skills and receive support for literacy and numeracy, and gain experience of the world of work to improve their prospects for getting on to an apprenticeship and into employment.'

Indeed, it is not the first time William has participated in the annual event. In December 2010, the then newly-engaged Prince secured a £14 billion deal between two major banks during a phone call. Kate was due to attend in 2012, but had to cancel as she was expecting Prince George and unwell with Hyperemesis gravidarum.

British Monarchy Flickr

The Duke and Duchess enjoyed a game of ping pong.

The fundraising day attracts A-list celebrities, television stars and members of the Royal family hoping to raise substantial amounts whilst they man the phones. Other royals who have participated include Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.

Actress Carey Mulligan raised money for War Child UK today. The organisation works in war torn countries to ensure children get an education.

Statistics from ICAP and their values to ensure donating 100% means 100%.

ICAP

Kate repeated a teal L.K. Bennett suit she first wore for a visit to Leicester with Her Majesty the Queen in 2012.

The £295 Jude jacket with peplum detail was described as "Beautifully tailored with a nipped waist this jacket features kick pleat detailing at the back and uses a soft wool feeling luxe to touch". The £225 structure Davina dress is beautifully tailored with gentle ruching down one side.

As I'm sure you've noticed, Kate's hair has been cut considerably shorter since the last time we saw her. It's quite a change for the Duchess who favours longer hair. I'm quite certain I'll be in the minority when I say I'm not a fan of the cut - I think slightly longer hair suits Kate better. What do you think?

There's several great early videos on Kensington Palace's Twitter Feed including footage of William and Kate playing ping pong. Check out Kate's very cute celebratory dance at the end of the video shown below :)

Shorter hair is much better but the suit, in my opinion, is dull and old fashioned. Carole her mother can easily wear it and she is 60. She could at least accessorize it differently, with much more modern shoes, bag to make a difference.

Thank you Rachel!! At last, someone to agree with me! We all are royalfans and love Kate but her wardrobe needs a stylist! Someone to remind her that she is 33 and professional and appropriate look doesnt necessarily mean dull and old fashioned as if she is sharing wardrobes with her mother.

but Diana had such flair and vivacious fun with her clothes and accessories. Kate seems timid and stuffy, even with the teal gown (that need a bra design in it) and with the bond dress and that leather cut out dress. She seemed to want to try with those but they were all misses in my opinion. She just doesn't to "get it". She did better at her attempts before her marriage. She is dressing with her head and not her heart. Or else she has a stylist that should choose another career. No offense.

I don't think it's a case of needing a stylist (she had too much flair in her single days...and it's not like she dresses like a frump). But I do believe she plays it very safe because she has an understanding of recent royal history.

I think there are many apparently unexplored acceptable options for Kate though RF. Protocol can be appropriate and beautiful and varied. I do t think she has the desire at this time to pursue that. When she has, her choices have been strange, indicating to me that she is struggling to find her way fashion wise. She should get a team of fun and gifted stylists who can change things up for her ocassionally and still be proper, filling the pages of history with Iconic fashion. Outfits that say "this was the perfect outfit for this moment. The sartorial choice met with destiny in an Iconically perfect way. The red outfit as she disembarked from the plane is an example.

Wow! I don't think this week can get any better. First, the Cambridge tiara, now this LK Bennet suit. My favorites are being marched out it seems. Although I'm a big fan of her longer hair if styled rather than left straight, this shorter cut looks fresh, nicely framing her face. Unfortunately, it looks as if the fringe has been trimmed as well instead of being left to grow out. However, it wasn't in her eyes today and looked pretty. Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.

Erika I agree, I think Charlotte and others would like it better if something was done with the fringe, it still looks like two separate styles in my opinion! I'd like to see this length with long, sleek layers cut throughout the hair.

Sorry I started with a negative! Because overall I was quite pleased when I saw the photos today. I think she looks more appropriate for her age and profession. I think "suits" - dress & jacket, skirt & jacket, whatever the pairing always makes for a crisp, polished, professional look. I like this suit, but I really like the style more than anything.

It's a hard transition from your early 20's to your early 30's... it's a time when a lot can happen in a woman's life! And sometimes it takes a while for your style to catch up.

While I understand and see how her cut is fresh and shiny,it won't be my fave. I needed time to realise why. Of course I get used to seeing her with long hair sometimes a wee bit too long, but this was sudden. I think she looked so much better back in 2012. She is ageing, has 2 babies. It is natural she is more matured now. But I still like her better with longer hair, it makes her face look rounder which suits her so much. She lost all those baby weight which made her so stunning. I hope her hair grows fast:-)))

Claudia, this is more my idea of 30's long hair vs. 20's long hair. If that makes sense! :) But I do agree about layering. A weeee bit more, but I am happy with this; it's fresh and younger looking IMO.

Yes royalfan makes total sense! That's what I was getting at, I feel it's less college girl and more professional woman. I didn't mind her long hair when it was done well, but that seemed to be slipping lately! I still would like to see longer layers continued through the hair, to give it a really polished, finished look... still looks a little disjointed to me...

and blue27 I've absolutely enjoyed chatting and am having fun here, usually ;) I've had some unexpected down time these last months so it's been very nice, takes me back a little... I laugh thinking what if we had all this during the Diana days... back then it was just the daily papers and waiting for the women's magazines!

Kate made a mistake when she began colouring her hair quite often so early. I feel her hair was perfect the way it was before the wedding. It was perfect before the wedding. She began colouring it and using chemicals on it too often. Plus, childbirth has its effects on hair. She should have just let be. Her hair would have been as gorgeous as it used to be. I wish she wouldn't use those toxics on her hair anymore! I love Kate a lot and I'm a HUGE fan. But the bangs and now this cut! I liked it before all this!

Love it all, I really like the shorter hair! I loved the suit the first time, more so the second! Gorgeous shade of green, which also enhances her beautiful eyes...I would only ask for a rosier, more pronounced pink or red lipstick shade (way too pale as is). S.

My initial thought was that Kate doesn't know what to do with her hair. Please, don't turn into your mother, Kate. You are young, beautiful and modern woman. I feel Kate's look at the beginning of her reign as the Duchess of Cambridge was perfect. With her hair shorter she looks older.

I'm with you Charlotte...not a.fan of her shorter hair..maybe if it was styled better but I love her longer hair..especially when it is.done.properly.like when she wore this outfit in 2012I love the oufit...the hair looks messy today!

I'm not really sure what I think of her new haircut to be honest. It's nice that she changed it up a bit, but I did so enjoy her long hair, particularly in the early years of her marriage. I do know that I liked it better without the fringe- does anyone else agree with me?

The shorter length is very chic and classic -- a true reflection of her evolving style. I do wish the Duchess would pin back the bangs; the bangs take away from her beautiful eyes. Personally, I much prefer that she returns to her cooler brown hair -- it makes her face glow and eyes pop!! The red mutes her natural beauty.

I didn't see the comparison as negative either. I too have said that I would like Kate to cut her hair in a similar style. The layers and length of Mary's cut are easy to dress up...or down (literally!).

Well, I guess I was right in my comment last night that she had cut her fringe. Just that she had cut a bit more than that!! I'm not one of those who rallied for her to cut her hair, but she look very pretty and fresh in this look :) Also, that suit is one of my favourite looks, and I'm so happy to see it again! She is really digging in the clothing storage this fall :) Very nice to see some of those things again :) I really like the pairing with the necklace today! Also, this event always seem so fun. And for such good causes! What a week so far! With this + Kate tomorrow + the Nobels and I will be on some kind of royal-high :P

I have long hair that is very similar to Kate's (thick and glossy but mine is red) and my two kids are nearly identical in age to Kate's. It is a NIGHTMARE dealing with long hair after giving birth, not because of the work but because your whole head is in a state of flux. You don't lose any (or very little hair) while pregnant so you have to shed all of that and it normally begins about 3 months after having the baby and lasts for another six months or so. In addition, you start growing new hair to replace what you're losing and it creates lots of messiness and frizz. Cutting of some length and adding a fringe are hugely helpful in managing this. Regardless of whether we prefer it or not, it's a huge help to making the whole head look better during the transition. Give her a few months and I think we'll see her settle into a longer style again.

Thank you so much for that very helpful insight--so glad you shared your experience and with red hair, you have way more hair than most so it must have been quite an ordeal. I can see now why the Duchess may have needed to cut her hair. Having said that, I am with Charlotte, I am a fan of the Duchess with longer hair, but it will grow back in no time.

By the way, I saw a video of the Duchess shooting hoops at ICAP charity day--She did great as the shot on the video showed -- she got an assist from the rim of the basket--basketball fans will understand the terminology.

i LOVE the hair. a change is fun from time to time! i actually think she could have gone a little shorter for the "lob" look, but i understand why she might be reluctant to do that. all in all i think she looks amazing.

I like the cut, while I don't think that women need to cut their hair at each stage of life, I thought the long hair was a bit young for the role she has in her life. This is more Queen-in-waiting and growing into her position. KWIM

Love that suit - so flattering and chic. And I adore the hair cut!! It's still plenty long and really flattering. Especially comparing the outfit and hair to the pic from 2012 she looks so much more modern and fresh (and I like the pics from 2012 too). The pic of her laughing is awesome!

Charlotte, firstly, your speed amazes me every time! Thank you so much for getting this post up so fast.Secondly, I am not sure how I feel about the hair. I think it's a fresh look on HRH, but let's see what all she does with it besides just leaving it open. And I am so happy to see this L K Bennett out and about again! One of my favorite outfits that belong to her :)

To me it looks like many of her repeats from several years ago just fit very differently, not very polished. I do not know what it is, but i do not think that it is about weight. I prefer the earlier fit to be honest, and although i love her clothes from several years ago, i do not like the fit now.

I don't think it's about weight either. But a body changes after giving birth. The hips sometimes don't go back to the shape they were, stuff can start haning or otherwise more around a bit. So even if she is at the same weight and "fatlevel" the parts are still positioned different.

I'm afraid I'm with you on this one. The hair is quite aging on her; maybe it isn't, and I am imagining it because she usually has long, curled hair, but I just think her hair is amazing long; few women could get aware with it being so long, but I still lament the departure of James Pryce.Thought the L.K. Bennett suit was perfect for a day of city trading. If I get a job after university in a professional role, I'd love to be able to splash out on a couple of L.K. Bennett pieces - they are so elegant!I wondered if she had her hair cut since last night - it looked longer in last night's updo. What do you guys think?

I think she had it cut before last night. I commented that her bangs looked shorter, and some people have noticed that her chignon (spelling?) was not as big as at the state banquet. So I think it's a safe bet to say it was already cut by then.

Catherine has looked considerably older since Charlotte's birth. It was apparent when we saw the first pictures of her with William in the car. When she lost all her baby weight the cheeks disappeared and she started looking quite gaunt. Staying up nights will catch up eventually. I actually think that the shorter hair makes her look younger than the long hair with the fringe did. Eventually she is going to look older - we all do. And she is going to be 34 this year, so at some point she will look her age.

I love her hair this length- a welcome change! The suit has long been an absolute favorite of mine, but I think I like the black belt better than the belt today. The photos today are wonderful- they clearly had a great time while truly making a difference.

First, I love her hair. I just recently re-watched their engagement interview and it seems to me this is the same hairstyle she had then. I like it.

Second, I know I am looking for something that is most like not there, but is there any chance Kate could be pregnant? When they did their usual summer disappearance I thought it would be a great time for her to get pregnant and deal with the sickness privately. I'm looking at the picture of Kate near the car and thinking it looks like she has a little tummy. Most likely it's just the ruching on the dress, but...? I know, call me crazy.

I actually thought the opposite - that between George and Charlotte that Kate seemed to be marking time a bit - not just in number of engagements but in her style - all those coats and not nearly so interesting dresses - as if she knew that she and William planned another one quite close.

While this autumn, I really feel I've seen a change in style and in both number and type of engagements - of moving towards a particular area of interest and becomming more involved with royal duties - as well as a new look in clothes, in hair and more jewels. It made me feel that while they may plan a third, they might be thinking they would wait for a bit - much as Kate's parents did. Kate has had hard pregnancies and it is always important to have enough time for each child. (I rather doubt they will go for more than three by choice, given what Charles has said about population control - it could make him look a hypocrite.) So while, I think number three may come, I'm thinking not quite yet and the cut of the suit is what makes that little bulge - but I would be happy enough to be wrong.

Well, I think Kate probably doesn't/didn't want to get pregnant that quickly again after Charlotte's birth... Charlotte is only 6 months old! If she continues her pattern as with the age gap between George and Charlotte, I think she might get pregnant again in spring/early summer 2016.

I do not believe this is happening. They would not have announced a tour in spring. And she would need to have a huge bump until now if she were pregnant since Summer. This time i think the speculations will have a hard time:)

I do not believe it will happen tomorrow, but I wouldn't be too surprised if they have one more child. Kate is one of three and William knows how much he and Harry supported each other after their mother's death. Given the unique pressure these children (adults) will be under, I believe W&K will want them to have a strong support system.

Anonymous 22:16. You are most likely correct - they wouldn't plan a tour if she were pregnant. I personally wouldn't be surprised if they don't have any more children due to her difficult pregnancies. But it's nice to dream of them with a larger family, since they appear to be a loving couple and loving parents. (Plus they have beautiful children! )

I agree that they probably wouldn't plan a tour if she's pregnant right now, but a pregnancy can happen at any time and will override whatever's on the schedule! See Malta... :)

I had thought there might have been a surprise pregnancy right after Charlotte (not unusual) mainly because Kate seemed to completely disappear for almost 6 weeks. And when you have two (or more!) little ones at home, you will be on the verge of asking a delivery man to watch them for a moment while you walk to the corner and back, just to clear your head! That she wasn't spotted out shopping, lunch, a quick errand etc I thought strange... so I speculated :)

For what it's worth, I seem to remember reading (have no idea if it was a reputable source) that Kate wanted 3 by 35.

I also think they are both very conscious of the fact that they have a limited number of years to enjoy this "quieter" life while the Queen is alive, when she passes their lives may change dramatically. So if quiet Norfolk life with a relatively light royal work load is what they want while they raise young children, the clock is indeed ticking on that. And I think if they want more, that may be the factor they're considering the most.

I love her new hair length. I've been wishing for years that she would shorten it. This length is perfect for her. The longer length was too much hair, this looks so much better. I think her entire look is stunning.

I love the new length, and look forward to the day the fringe grows out. This suit is perfectly lovely, but I would really like to see her in a higher-end suit on these types of occasions. She's been wearing some more expensive day dresses, and I think it's time for her to put away this sort of suit, which can look a bit skimpy and off the rack. Nothing against LK Bennet - I wear the brand, but then I'm not a Duchess! :)

I like the suit and the jewels and stuff, but I just don't like the new haircut. Her hair used to be so beautiful and royal and healthy and gorgeous. However, my mum said a haircut can be very good for one's hair, after years of long hair, this is needed sometimes to keep one's hair healty. It grows like 1-1.5 cm per month, so it will be long again soon I think. Luckily she can still wear it in an updo, as we saw last night. Hopefully she'll chose for an updo more often. It's also nice for India, a bit shorter hair is a lot less hot in such warm environment.

All time favorite outfit of hers!!! Didn't expect to see it again, so this is a pleasant surprise :) As for her new hairdo, I don't love it, but I do like it. It looks very healthy, and a change of pace is needed every once in a while.

I love when Kate wears a women's suit. It fits her so well and she looks much more professional. I am happy with her hair as well. I do not know why she wanted to get the "fringe" back, but I am happy she did something with her hair.

I do wish she would bring Richard Ward back…oh how much I miss THAT hair. He made it so luscious and gave it the volume she needed, as well as making her look fresh.

Happy to see Kate and William so happy! Now, just waiting for more pictures of the Cambridge family since it is close to Christmas :)

Loving the shorter hair, I think it looks great, and the suit (IMHO) looks better with this matching belt. TRH really do have a good time together, I wish other Royals were able to do that in public. Charlotte thanks for this post- you always ALWAYS do such an amazing job for us!

Thumbs up from me. I like the cut. A lot. It's better styled, it's more youthful and more practical for a working mother. Also easier to style for those occasions requiring an updo. It's a transition from teen and college hair to young professional hair. Win-win, I say.

I actually like the new cut. It's a nice change without being drastic and it still is long enough to show just how beautiful her hair is. I love love love the LK Bennet suit! I do like it better with the black belt but it's a great outfit no matter what. Seeing the Duchess wearing Princess Diana's tiara was something very special. I can't wait for all of her outings the rest of the week!

I love any news/pictures of Kate, but I really, really don't like those bangs. They keep falling in her face, causing her to constantly be brushing them aside or tossing her head, they obscure her vision and our view. Geesh, that was a bad idea. I hope she grows them out again.

I love this outfit--that color brings the green out in her eyes! Thought she wouldn't wear it for a public engagement again due to its shorter skirt length so I was nicely surprised! What a great atmosphere at the ICAP offices; wonderful efforts on the part of the staff & the Duke & Duchess.

I've always preferred her longer hair but this cut looks just fine to me (takes a few weeks to "grow" into a cut)! NOthing WOW but it probably feels much lighter for the Duchess.

And oh my gosh, how adorable is she (can I say that about a Duchess)?! That ICAP video of her doing a little dance to celebrate after closing the deal was so endearing.

Second, I like the cut. It's still what I would consider long, and her whole head of hair looks a lot healthier after this significant trim. What with childbirth and hormones and new growth, sometimes it's better to go a bit shorter and then let it grow out again. I think her bangs/fringe look much nicer than they did before, too.

I think she is looking more and more like Princess Mary with the shorter hair. It does look good on her, and much more easily managed. As the mom of an almost 2 year old, my hair is pulled up in a clip or in a pony tail most days, and it's about the same length as Kate's current hair cut.

Nice to see this suit again. However, I saw it in L K Bennett some years ago and it looks better in photographs than 'real life': the fabric's very poor quality! I like her new hair cut, I was amazed at how short it was when I saw the photos, though I think it's a bit longer at the back. Glad she's changed the style. Looks more professional at this length.

I'll echo what many have said - I liked her better with longer hair. But I'll also add that the cut looks fresh and healthy. I have similar hair, though mine is a bit finer, and I have trouble with the perfect length as well. For the Duchess, I think this "in-between" length does not fit her better than keeping it slightly longer OR going even shorter. The length "just below the shoulders" can be awkward, which I think is what we are seeing, especially with the fringe.

Regardless, I think she looks beautiful and healthy and happy, so what else really matters? Just gives us all something to fill our spare time with gossip and discussion haha!

Great images from today Charlotte, thanks for the great post as usual - looked like a classic, competitive fun day with W&K at their best - and love all the laughter and hi-jinx for such a worthy cause! (Must have been strange being a broker on the other end of the phone to Catherine and William though!)

She looked very elegant and appropriate for the city and the suit looked much better styled today than 2012. (Maybe it was the lack of hair!!!)

I like the hair, I think on occasion it's been looking quite long and boisterous recently, so nice to see an evolution of sorts, even if it's due to the childbirth, hormones etc... I have to admit I prefer her up-do's more anyway.

Oh Yay! She cut her hair! It's so much better than those long curls. The long hair just made her look so school-girl / college-coed. Cutting it gives it some style, which a woman in her position in the world should have. No longer a little girl, but a sophisticated woman. And she can style it so many ways.Love the suit too!

The Duchess looks great. Fabulous suit, very appropriate to the event. Much is made of her hair. She is blessed with a beautiful head of hair. My personal preference is longer. But I have on a loose schedule - every three years or so - taken my mid-back long hair and cut it to nearly a boys cut. It always grows back stronger. I'm happy that she changes it up. What I would like to see is not so many blow outs and on occasion her natural curls. I find her natural curls beautiful.

Absolutely love her hair cut, which is by no means truly short. Her hair had gotten so long I think it looked heavy and made her appear tired; while pretty it was dragging her down with so much length. I'd been hoping for a cut for several months now. She looks stunning today; from hair to outfit.

I love her new hairstyle - it's so professional, sophisticated and polished. I always liked her hair long, especially when it was publled back creatively, but has recent events have shown it can look very messy in wind and while at its best it was gorgeous, it could also be out of control and lead to tossing and fiddling. Kate probably saw these problems herself. I think this style will be far more manageable (and she can always grow it long again if she wishes.)

I used to have very long hair I could sit on and it was much admired but it was a tremendous chore too - so I think Kate will find this length very practical - while still long enough to wear up. It is indeed a very fresh look.

I love the suit too - wish she would wear more suits. She has the figure for it. And it was a great engagement - so much fun and with so much money raised for charity too - I hope it will become a regular event for William and Kate - and Sophie too.

I really like her hair. I think if we look back, she cut it when George was about this age. My guess is that the cut is to keep her hair healthy and ready to grow. However, if she left it at this length, I'd be happy.

Love the new hair cut! Classy and elegent length. Suits her, not so heavy and girly. And I love how the length of skirt has not been lengthened. That above the knee length is great! She is looking so fresh, fun and elegent. Go Catherine!!

No offense. But that tiara was wearing Kate. Kate wasn't wearing that tiara. It was just sitting there. Doesn't even look like she was excited or glowing about it. I love that the tiara was seen again but wish it had more of a celebratory homecoming.

I felt the tiara looked excellent on Catherine. I felt she completely owned the look. It looked very natural on her. I actually am not a huge fan of the tiara, not due to size just in general not in love with it. ali

All I can say is THANK GOODNESS she cut her hair. You'll notice it wasn't in the way as much today. More than that, the bangs with the really long hair looked awful; quite heavy and generally unflattering. I do think Kate looks lighter, refreshed and younger with her hair this way. Without the bags it's ok longer.

I'm very surprised she cut it though. She usually doesn't listen to what people say about her. Maybe she received some comments after the speech? Especially because it's basically her signature feature.

I've got to say, today's look was spot on! Loved the outfit repeat and this belt looks much more professional than the black one we saw last.

And about the hair, I have very similar long, thick hair like Kate--often worn loose after a blow dry! But every so often I have to cut it short, if for no reason other than it freshens it up again and feels gloriously light and fluffy. It always grows so much quicker afterwards. So I don't blame Kate for cutting her hair-- she looked very fresh and beautiful today.

Love the new hair, love the outfit and definitely love some of the photos from today. Cudos to that guy, his heels are higher than Kate’s, which can rarely be said, lol.

I think the new haircut makes her look younger and opens her face, her hair was too long and dragged her face down. I only don’t like the bangs, but hopefully they’ll grow out soon.Hope she brings back more clothes from 2011 and 2012, I loved most of them.

loved her little victory dance. :)She is such a bright smile wherever she goes. The world needs more smiles. Hope Williams knows what a treasure he has in Kate.It is amazing to me how much money they made so quickly.

I'm ambivalent about the hair. If she left it have more movement (like CP Mary if Denmark) it may be more youthful. Am I the only one who is off put by the pendant necklace ruining the neckline of her dress? She tends to do this in various outfits in the past. Thoughts?

Loved THIS play on one of my favorite suits, I thought the black belt the first time tended to make the peplum flare in a way that wasn't attractive. But you're right, this suit has such a geometric neckline, the pendant doesn't really add anything and kind of looks overdone.

It took a while for me to realize it, but when I finally realized Kates hair was shorter, I almost shouted with joy. Hallelujah, this is what we've all been hoping for. Love, love love it. It's smooth, sophisticated and on trend. Now I hope she keeps it trimmed to stay this length.

I think Kate looks fabulous- love the new hair cut. Quite frankly, if I had her hair, I'd keep it as long as possible! Let's remember that Princess Anne has long hair, and has always pinned it up in her classic chignon for all her public engagements. The only time in recent memory that I remember seeing it down was when she wed her second husband in 1992. And of course, HM has had the same hairstyle since the 1950's.. She's blessed with good hair too!

Love these photos!! Looks like Kate has some competition in the gams department, LOL!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this hair - that being said, the stylist needed to keep going and lighten and layer it a little so it's not that huge, heavy, lank mass of hair (now shorter) hanging around her face. I'd love to see Kate in a cut and color similar to Pippa's. But I am glad she got it cut some, it was just becoming a parody and it was obscuring everything else - her appearances, her clothing, Kate herself was becoming secondary to Kate's Hair. I love long hair (and am indeed trying to grow mine out) but at a certain age, it needs to be layered and lightened to avoid that "stuck in college" look or that the wearer is stuck in their 20s.

Her fashion choices in 2011 and 2012 were great and Im glad she opt to repeat it more recently. I like it when she wears suits or separates. The Luisa Spagnoli red suit, the black and white polka dot suit, the McQueen navy and white military style skirt and blouse to name a few. She looked great and well together in it, even when she repeated them.I like her new hair. A little change now and then wont kill her. Shes been hiding behind that hair for so long.

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